Julia S Brightman

True to her generous spirit and desire to help others, Julie chose to donate her body to Upstate Medical University in Syracuse for medical education and research.

Born on June 15, 1928 in Earlville to Chester Durmir Smith and Catherine Helen (Breed) Smith, Julia was a force of nature.

She was a big personality who lived out loud, loved fiercely, and filled every room she entered with laughter.

Julie was a woman of immense drive and entrepreneurial spirit.

Alongside her beloved husband, Carl Brightman, they took a bold leap of faith in 1958, bought Stiles and Gorman Hardware transforming their local plumbing business into Brightman’s Hardware, later to become Brightman’s Home Center. Together, they built a thriving hardware and plumbing business from the ground up, cementing their place as pillars of the Norwich business community and added 2 additional hardware locations in Bainbridge and Richfield Springs as well as Brightman’s Fine Gifts and Candies in the middle of downtown Norwich and 3 other gift shop locations named B Davids in Sidney, Norwich and Oneonta.

Never one to slow down, Julie also brought her sharp mind and love for literature to the Book Exchange, where she worked for years.

She routinely gave back to her neighbors by delivering hot lunches and warm smiles for Meals on Wheels.

To know Julie was to know a woman of eclectic passions, deep appreciation for history, and immense generosity.

She was an avid collector of antiques and a masterful crafter who poured her heart into making beautiful, handmade pieces to gift to her family and friends.

Her love for local history was beautifully demonstrated in 2009 when she loaned a historic 1905 painting of Norwich by artist Robert Ballou Ward to Chenango County, allowing the piece to be proudly and publicly displayed in the Chenango County Courthouse.

Julie loved nothing more than a lively lunch with her friends, sharing stories with laughter.

A passionate animal lover, she had a soft heart for all creatures, and she thoroughly enjoyed her quiet moments reading the Evening Sun.

Above all, Julie’s greatest pride was the beautiful family she built. She was the matriarch of a proud, tight-knit clan. She is survived by her two devoted sons and daughters-in-law: Dave and Ellie Brightman and Rick and Jeanne Brightman.

Her larger-than-life spirit lives on through her six cherished grandchildren: Chad Brightman, Allison Wynn, Chris Brightman, Ashley Martin, Darlene McKenna, and Susette Vlasich.

She was also the adoring great-grandmother to Nikki McKenna, Steve McKenna, Tyler Vlasich, Zachery Vlasich, Gates Brightman, Warner Brightman, Corbin Wynn, Caden Wynn, Kaia Martin, Thea Martin, and Lucas Brightman.

One great-great grandchild Karter Vlasich and her beloved niece Laura Isliker and nephew Robert Isliker.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Carl, and her siblings, Willard, Chester, Mary, and Lorena and her beloved best friend Dottie Lloyd.

Julie and her entire family were very blessed to have Dawn Chrisbacher enter her life long ago and spend years as a caregiver and close friend, taking Julie wherever she needed to go; even the doctor or hospital many times. No matter what time it was, Dawn was always there and never hesitated to do whatever it took and always had Julie’s best interests motivating her. Dawn was a great gift to Julie and her family and her efforts over the years were appreciated greatly.

Julie’s laughter may have fallen silent, but the echoes of her booming personality, her entrepreneurial grit, and her generous heart will remain forever in the community she loved and helped build.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Julie's deep love for animals, her family requests that memorial donations be made in her name to the Chenango SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815.